The 25 Best Wine Farm Breakfasts in the Cape 2018

Tokara Delicatessen

The Early Bird Catches The Mimosa.

Is there any meal more comforting than breakfast? Creamy scrambled eggs on sourdough toast, crunchy granola with honey and double-thick Greek yoghurt, brioche with maple syrup and mascarpone… and so it goes on…

Now add a tranquil country setting – with sunny-side-up views of vineyards, mountains or a gurgling stream – and you have the makings of picture perfection.

We’ve rounded up the Top 25 Winelands breakfasts, where the magical setting matches the delicious food.

Have you visited any wonderful wine-farm breakfast spots? What’s your favourite? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Stellenbosch

The Bakery at Jordan Wine Estate

Overlooking peaceful lawns and a sparkling pond, The Bakery at Jordan Wine Estate is a wonderful place to enjoy a breakfast in Stellenbosch. Together with birdsong and light chatter, the delectable aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee waft through the air, tantalising the palate before you’ve even had a chance to look at the menu!

Sit outside on the lawn during summer, or cosy up next to the warm ovens when it’s chilly, and enjoy a wholesome Health, Bakery Benedict, English, Three-Egg Omelette, Continental, or Baked Croissant breakfast. All are scrumptious, no matter what you opt for.

Cuveé Restaurant at Simonsig

Aside from being one of the most popular wine-producing estates in the country, Simonsig also does a mighty good breakfast. Cuveé Restaurant on the family-owned estate boasts spectacular views of rolling vineyards and tree-lined roads, as far as the eye can see.

Breakfast is served inside the cosy farmhouse-inspired eatery, or out on the lawn during summer, and includes a delicious array of locally sourced, seasonally driven organic dishes, such as boerewors served with eggs, bacon and freshly baked farm bread; buttermilk pancakes; yoghurt with home-made muesli, and more. Enjoy your feast while the kids build up an appetite in the outside play area.

The Farm Kitchen at Spier Wine Farm

The picturesque setting at Spier is what dream are made farm fantasies are made of. The chalkboard breakfast menu changes daily, but diners can expect dishes made with farm-fresh produce (such as the finest bacon and eggs from resident Farmer Angus), homemade granola, stewed fruit and buffalo yoghurt, and/or oatmeal with stewed fruit and crushed mixed nuts.

Sit at a table inside or out and, when the weather permits, grab a blanket and pillow and enjoy breakfast on the luscious Werf lawns.

Before you leave: Browse the deli for homemade preserves, freshly baked bread and pastries, olive oil, biltong and many more take-home delights. Or, why not make a day out of it and spend a few hours lounging on the lawns in the winter sun, and organise a tailor-made picnic for lunch? There’s (many) a reason this wonderful countryside estate is so popular.

Tokara Delicatessen

Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking a valley of vineyards below, Tokara Wine Farm is one of the most breathtaking spots to spend the day (or just the morning!). It appears so suddenly while winding down the beautiful Helshoogte Pass into Stellenbosch that it’s easy to miss – but, trust us, you’ll be glad you didn’t.

The main restaurant is a well-known fine-dining spot for lunch and dinner, while the Delicatessen at the top of the estate is where the morning magic happens. Diners can choose to sit inside the large glass-encased interior, or perch outside in the sun next to the rolling lawns while the kids play – either way a front-row seat of the valley is always the order of the day. Breakfasts include classic favourites such as jam and toast, open omelettes, eggs benedict, scrambled eggs and croque madames, as well as quinoa bircher muesli, brioche French toast, and much more.

We recommend: The smoked salmon eggs benedict on a herbed corn fritter.

Somerbosch Bistro

Hidden between Somerset West and Stellenbosch (on the Stellies side), Somerbosch Wines is located on a historical working farm that overflows with country charm and spectacular views. Complete with a sparkling dam and untouched farmlands, this wonderful spot is the perfect pop-in on your travels along the R44 wine route. Pull up a seat at the home-style bistro overlooking the vineyards and mountains beyond, as you enjoy a traditional English breakfast, French toast, croissants two ways, omelettes, creamy oats, and more – all prepared daily with fresh seasonal ingredients.

Good to know: All breakfasts are served with a complimentary coffee, tea or juice.

Garden Restaurant at Delheim

Nestled in the slopes of the Simonsberg mountains, this award-winning wine estate is known not only for its top-notch vino, but its breathtaking setting too. On any given day, you might encounter mountain bikers or trail runners setting off on an adventure, but if, like us, you’d prefer to have a slightly more laid-back start to your day, then we suggest pulling up a seat at the Garden Restaurant and tucking into a delicious breakfast.

The menu features everything from eggs benedict and Classic Farm breakfasts, to muesli-and-muffin platters, an omelette selection as well as a croissant with preserves.There is also a new breakfast special that includes the famous cupcakes, and, of course, their Blanc de Blancs MCC is always on offer. Sit outside on the sun-soaked garden terrace during summer or cosy up in the wine cellar during winter – either way breakfast here is sure to get your morning off to a wonderful start.

Morgenhof Restaurant

Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Simonsberg Mountains, and covered in grape-filled vines, the historic Cape Dutch buildings at Morgenhof Wine Estate make it a special spot to enjoy any occasion – including a delicious farm breakfast. Meals range from light to hearty and wholesome, and can be enjoyed under the shade of the oak tree in the garden during summer, or next to a toasty fireplace inside the glass gazebo during the chillier months.

The breakfast menu is short but sweet, and features French toast (with either maple syrup and cinnamon or topped with mango, walnuts and berry coulis), a choice of omelettes, yoghurt and muesli, eggs with bacon and boerewors, or smoked salmon and scrambled egg with rocket and smooth cottage cheese in either a wrap or croissant.

Franschhoek

The Garden Room at Le Quartier Français

Situated at the breathtaking Le Quartier Français Hotel that recently underwent a stylish and savvy overhaul, The Garden Room is a charming spot to enjoy a tasty breakfast in Franschhoek. Encased in large glass windows that overlook a charming outdoor courtyard, the restaurant offers diners a vibrant yet laidback space to soak up the (winter) sun while tucking into one of the most stylish breakfasts in town. With a beautifully merchandised buffet section, that includes vanilla-poached fruit, honey-roasted nuts and seeds, double-thick farm yoghurt and freshly baked (gluten-free) pastries, the menu also offers some hot à la carte items, such as brioche French toast, scrambled eggs, waffles, omelettes and the delicious toasted croissant, with mashed avocado, roasted tomatoes and poached egg. Either way, there’s no shortage of delicious nibbles.

Babel at Babylonstoren

This ultra-chic farm restaurant is just one of the gazillion reasons to visit Babylonstoren. The simple menu, that changes seasonally to maximise what’s on offer in the farm’s 3.5-hectare garden, is sheer genius. Each meal is simple and made with farm fresh produce – plated as beautifully as the garden that surrounds it. The breakfast menu includes magical mueslis, Provence-sized hunks of cheese, and healthy delights such as gluten-free polenta bread, rice milk on tap off the harvest table, or eggs, bacon and farm sausage for those seeking a hot breakfast.

Café BonBon at La Petite Dauphine

One of the oldest working wine (and fruit!) farms in the Cape, this charming estate also offers wonderful accommodation, and delicious meals in its cosy farmhouse café. In summer (or when the winter sun is out), there’s nothing better than sitting outdoors, while the resident chickens roam free, while you tuck into a classic eggs benedict or Florentine or a full English. Other options include oats, freshly baked croissants, shakshuka, heirloom squash flapjacks, or créme brûlée French toast – made with croissants and topped with banana, bacon, and salted caramel. All breakfasts are made with produce straight out of the estate’s very own garden.

Somerset West

Stables Bistro at Vergelegen

This popular wine estate, overlooking the Hottentots Holland Mountains, is a buzzing destination at any time of year, not only for wine connoisseurs, but for nature-lovers and foodies as well. Breakfast is served in the contemporary-cool farmhouse bistro, and includes an extensive selection of wholesome dishes with a modern twist, including French toast and muesli, as well as unique creations such as the Deluxe (two eggs, grilled back bacon, pork sausage, slow-roasted mushrooms, sautéed potatoes and tomato) or the Stables (home-cured pancetta, fried mushrooms, smoked tomato relish and rocket, topped with an egg). The historical grounds are steeped in heritage, with awe-inspiring gardens, a delightful picnic area and a modern tasting centre – you’ll find yourself lingering long after your first meal of the day is done.

Avontuur Estate Restaurant

Renowned for its thoroughbred horses (a curious bunch who are only too eager to oblige when called upon), Avontuur Estate is on our radar for its award-winning wines and TripAdvisor-acclaimed restaurant. There’s no question that owner-chefs Zunia Boucher-Myers and Melanie Paltoglou pour their heart and soul into every aspect of the dining experience, as is evident from the warm welcome, attentive service, and delicious country cuisine.

Paarl

Cosecha Restaurant at Noble Hill Wine Estate

Situated on the slopes of the majestic Simonsberg mountain range, and surrounded by hectares of vineyards, Noble Hill is a secluded sanctuary ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of Paarl. Together with wonderful valley views and a top-notch selection of homegrown wines, the estate is home to the popular Latin-inspired Cosecha Restaurant.
The flavoursome Mexican Latin dishes – most of them spicy – make for an exciting meal any time of day. Sit out on the lawn or on the covered deck, and savour the breakfast burrito (eggs, potatoes, and cheddar in a flour tortilla with bacon and/or avo); breakfast tacos (eggs, black beans, cheddar, avocado and bacon); huevos rancheros (two eggs, black beans, cheddar and streaky bacon on homemade tortillas); or the spicy hash and poached eggs (two eggs, chopped beef and potatoes on homemade tortillas) for an all-day brekkie with a kick.

The Deck Restaurant at Ridgeback Wines

Known for its magnificent setting overlooking peaceful gardens and a tranquil dam, the restaurant at Ridgeback is part of the estate’s popular wine-tasting centre, but allows a more child-friendly wine farm experience, of course.

Listen to the sounds of ducks and guinea fowl as you enjoy your herbed scrambled eggs; toasted English muffins topped with brie; eggs benedict or Florentine, omelettes, or French toast, among many other morning favourites).

If the sun’s out, ask for a waterside table on the wooden deck, or get cosy inside.

Good to know: The restaurant is closed from 23 July to 11 August 2018.

Goatshed Restaurant at Fairview

Surrounded by rolling, vineyard-covered hills, this working cheese and wine farm offers a number of attractions including a fresh-produce deli for take-home goods, a bakery, tasting room, tasting classes and, of course, the Goatshed Restaurant.

Build up an appetite with the kids by visiting the resident “goat tower”, before tucking into a farm-to-table breakfast in the charming country-style restaurant. Aside from a delicious selection off the a la carte menu, diners can also choose either of the options off the set menu. Breakfast Option 1 features a basket of freshly baked breads and mini croissants, cheeses, homemade jam, preserves, honey and butter, fruit juice, yoghurt, seasonal berry coulis, muesli, seasonal fruits, scrambled eggs on a toasted panini with bacon and tomato, and a tea or coffee), while Option 2 includes the basket, condiments, juice and hot beverages, with smoked trout, cream cheese, onion rings, capers, and scrambled eggs on a toasted panini with sausage, bacon and tomato – and a glass of MCC.

Durbanville

Groot Phesantekraal

Just outside the hustle of Durbanville town, this working farm is a lovely and convenient escape from the city. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, the restaurant at Groot Phesantekraal is housed in the contemporary converted farm stable (built in 1767), and offers diners a wonderfully unique setting to enjoy the selection of wholesome country-style dishes with a modern edge.

Crown Restaurant at Meerendal Wine Estate

Located on the popular Meerendal Wine Estate, overlooking spectacular views of the Boland Mountains and surrounding vineyards, this chic, contemporary restaurant is a wonderful spot to enjoy a seasonal breakfast, made from locally sourced ingredients.

The menu – divided into Sweet and Salty sections – includes cinnamon, almond and coconut crumble; poached rooibos guavas with a quinoa crumble; buttermilk and apple pancakes; French toast and freshly baked scones and croissants. The more savoury-inclined can choose from open omelettes, eggs benedict, baked eggs with chorizo, smokey baked-bean salsa and avo eggs.

Tables at Nitida

This family-owned boutique winery in the heart of Durbanville wine country offers visitors a tranquil slice of scenery for any occasion – especially breakfast. The bistro-style restaurant comes complete with magnificent mountain views and a laidback interior, as well as a delicious selection of menu items to ring in the morning. Home-baked banana bread and scones, toasted ciabatta bruschetta, brioche French toast, eggs benedict, a breakfast parfait, and smoked trout scrambled eggs are just a few of the delights you can expect. Bring the kids, as the rolling lawns are a great spot to for them to run around.

Poplars at D’Aria

Located at the delightful D’Aria Winery in the Durbanville Valley, this award-winning restaurant boasts three private dining areas where guests can enjoy items of its well-rounded menu, gorgeous gardens, and a backyard braai area. Its relaxed, yet elegant, setting makes it perfect for special occasions and casual breakfasts alike.

Constantia

The Conservatory at The Cellars-Hohenort

Situated in the Constantia Valley, this restaurant offers unparalleled garden vistas in a relaxed and sophisticated interior. A giant 300-year-old oak tree stands at the centre of the restaurant, which in turn is surrounded by the luxurious trappings of the historic Cellars-Hohenort Hotel – an ideal setting to enjoy your first meal of the day.

Breakfast offerings include a full English; eggs benedict; French toast with maple syrup, bacon and banana; omelettes, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs; and traditional English oats.

Good to know: Diners might also like to choose items from the continental buffet table, featuring fruit, yoghurt, muesli, and freshly baked goods for R155 per person.

Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia

Situated on the Historic Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Jonkershuis is ripe with breathtaking views of the False Bay coastline and sweeping vineyards. Entering the estate, it’s hard not to be drawn towards this characterful eatery that offers outdoor seating under time-honoured oak trees, a cosy courtyard and fire-side intimacy. A lovely place for breakfast with friends, family or a significant other, the Jonkershuis menu includes freshly baked croissants and scones, oats, French toast, a farmer’s breakfast, gluten-free and Banting options, eggs benedict in various ways, and fresh sourdough toast with an array of toppings, such as smashed avocado, scrambled eggs and bacon, salmon trout and sautéed mushrooms. Bring the little ones as there are tasty options for them too – not to mention a duck pond and lots of lawn to run around on.

Bistro Sixteen82 at Steenberg

When it comes to breakfasts in the ’burbs, Bistro Sixteen82’s location is hard to beat. Surrounded by verdant vineyards and mesmerising mountains, the elegant eatery’s terraced dining area overlooks an indigenous garden with dazzling water features and intriguing metal sculptures. Known for the wonderful seasonal menu created by Chef Kerry Kilpin, the refreshing mix of Asian- and Spanish-inspired flavours follows through to the delicious breakfasts. Try the yoghurt terrine, beef ragout, Saldanha oyster and mushroom rösti creations for a morning meal with a twist. Or if you’re after a more traditional breakfast, there’s more than enough to satisfy you – and your little ones. We’d recommend you be adventurous! Who said you can’t have oysters for breakfast?

Nest Deli at Constantia Uitsig

At the end of a quaint row of artisanal purveyors, Nest Deli at Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate serves delicious, farm-fresh dishes in a setting that feels as warm and welcoming as your grandmother’s kitchen. The delicious selection of morning bites includes moreish pumpkin-seed granola and yoghurt, French toast two ways, an omelette with your choice of filling, classic eggs benedict, and more. In addition to offering breakfast, light lunches and patisserie (some of which are baked on site), the laidback eatery also stocks a wide selection of deli favourites, including baked goods, olive oil, jam, and more. Owners Joy and Keith Henderson are always on hand to make sure their customers are happy and leave clucking contentedly.